Saskatchewan and Manitoba experiencing the lowest level of job anxiety in the
country, according to RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook
Fewer Prairie residents expect to spend less on holiday purchases compared to national average
Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba also differ when it comes to holiday shopping, with only 37 per cent saying they will spend less this year, compared to the national average of 47 per cent. Only 12 per cent of Prairie residents say they will not be buying gifts at all during the holiday season, the lowest level in the country. On average, people in Saskatchewan and Manitoba expect to spend
"Prairie residents' optimism about the next year may be helping to dispel concerns about holiday spending and job security," said
The report also measures Canadians' perception of current conditions compared to three months ago, as well as short term (three month) prospects for their personal finances and a number of other factors. Regional highlights include:
- Personal Financial Situation (Overall): Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are most likely to say their personal financial situation has deteriorated in the last three months (43 per cent), equal to the level in British Columbia, but higher than the national average of 39 per cent. One in four residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (25 per cent) believe their personal financial situation will improve in the next three months (compared to the national average of 27 per cent). In the next year, 40 per cent expect improvement in their personal financial situation (compared to the national average of 38 per cent). - National Economy: Prairie residents are most likely to say that the state of the national economy has worsened in the last three months (48 per cent compared to the national average of 39 per cent) and are the least optimistic for a rebound in the next three months (33 per cent compared to the national average of 41 per cent). Looking at the longer term, residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are among the most optimistic for an improvement of the next year (65 per cent compared to the national average of 62 per cent).
"Weakening conditions early in the year led to forecast downgrades with Manitoba alone posting positive growth in 2009. As the global recovery becomes more fully entrenched, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are likely to be some of Canada's growth leaders in 2010," said
About The RBC Monthly Canadian Consumer Outlook Index
The RBC Monthly Canadian Consumer Outlook Index was established on
For further information: Rina Cortese, RBC Corporate Communications, (416) 974-6970; Stephanie Lu, RBC Media Relations, (416) 974-5506
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